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Brightstar Lottery secures a 7-year deal to modernize Lotto Saxony’s retail system in Germany

AGBrief Editorial
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Brightstar Lottery secures a 7-year deal to modernize Lotto Saxony’s retail system in Germany

Brightstar Lottery, formerly IGT’s lottery division, announced that following a competitive public procurement process, it has secured a seven-year contract to deploy its Aurora™ retail central system and advanced cloud-based software for Sächsische Lotto-GmbH (“Lotto Saxony”) in the State of Saxony, Germany.

“The quality and reliability of Brightstar’s world-class lottery technology and operational support, along with its team’s knowledge of Lotto Saxony’s business needs, are some of the reasons why we have partnered with the Company for 30 years,” said Herr Frank Schwarz, Lotto Saxony Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to upgrading our central system to Brightstar’s sophisticated platform and the many benefits its components will produce.”

Lotto Saxony, Germany

“This new seven-year contract marks an exciting chapter for Brightstar and Lotto Saxony as we work together to modernize lottery solutions throughout the state,” added Marco Tasso, Brightstar Chief Operating Officer International and Italy Operations. “Brightstar’s high-performing central system and peripherals will enable Lotto Saxony to manage its business more efficiently with the confidence in knowing the technology is secure, dependable, and responsible.”

Aurora by Brightstar Lottery, IGT

An integral part of OMNIA™, Brightstar’s player-centric, omnichannel solution for lotteries, Aurora helps drive lottery innovation and profitability. The platform will provide intuitive, user-friendly applications, tools and reporting capabilities to handle Lotto Saxony’s transaction processing, game management and back-office operations.

Lotto Saxony will receive key cloud-based Aurora products including, Anywhere, to securely connect external applications to the retail system, and Performance Wizard, to deliver targeted insights and analytics.

Brightstar serves nearly 90 lottery customers and their players on six continents. It is the primary technology provider to 26 of the 46 lottery jurisdictions in the U.S. and seven of the world’s 10 largest lotteries.

GKL reports 49.7% YoY net profit increase to $12M in 2Q25

Viviana Chan
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GKL reports 49.7% YoY net profit increase to $12M in 2Q25

South Korean casino operator Grand Korea Leisure (GKL) reported a 49.7 percent yearly surge in net profit to KRW16.96 billion ($12 million) for the second quarter ending June 30th, 2025, driven by strong casino performance and improved profit margins at its foreigner-only gaming venues.

The quarterly result marked a significant improvement from KRW11.34 billion ($8.19 million) in the same period last year and a 5.3 percent increase from the previous quarter. Operating profit reached KRW15.96 billion ($11.3 million), up 20.8 percent year-on-year but down 20.9 percent from the first quarter of 2025.

Group-wide sales totaled KRW100.94 billion ($71.4 million) in the three months to June 30th, representing a 2.1 percent increase from the prior-year period. However, sales declined 8.1 percent sequentially from the previous quarter, according to a Korea Exchange filing released Thursday.

The company, which operates three casino properties exclusively for foreign visitors in Seoul and Busan, attributed much of its success to exceptional gaming results at its flagship Gangnam Coex location in Seoul. Despite a 13.3 percent drop in casino drop to KRW450.8 billion ($318.9 million), the venue achieved a significant 79.6 percent increase in casino net sales to KRW64.3 billion ($45.5 million).

The strong second-quarter performance lifted GKL’s first-half net profit to KRW33.06 billion ($23.4 million), up 53.6 percent year-on-year. Interim sales for the six-month period reached KRW210.81 billion ($149.1 million), a 7.1 percent increase from the comparable period in 2024.

Shareholders will benefit from the improved performance, with GKL announcing an interim dividend of KRW60 ($0.045) per share in a separate Thursday filing. The total dividend distribution of KRW3.71 billion ($2.6 million) is scheduled for payment on September 5th, 2025.

Yggdrasil rolls out FruitPunk, its latest cluster-pay slot release

AGBrief Editorial
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Yggdrasil rolls out FruitPunk, its latest cluster-pay slot release

Yggdrasil has launched FruitPunk, a standout addition to its core portfolio. This cluster-based slot delivers bold energy, combining the timeless charm of fruit machines with a cutting-edge neon aesthetic.

Set on a vibrant 7×7 grid in a neon-filled city, glowing fruits, radiant stars, and blazing 7s adorn the reels, offering cascading win action when symbols are matched.

When a minimum of five symbols connect on any spin, they will disappear, freeing up space for new symbols to avalanche down but also highlighting the grid positions. These disappearing icons leave multipliers which doubles with each subsequent win on those positions, up to 128x the bet.

Packed with high-voltage visuals, electrifying sound design, and explosive animations, the game also offers a thrilling bonus round when three or more scatter symbols land, rewarding up to 30 free spins.

An optional Buy Bonus feature is available in some regions, allowing players to instantly access the action. The title is the latest in Yggdrasil’s growing slots portfolio, as the supplier continues to explore diverse themes and features.

Tomasz Kowalik, Head of Games Production at Yggdrasil, said: “FruitPunk offers easy-to-understand gameplay without sacrificing any excitement or entertainment. This cluster-based title offers the very popular avalanche mechanic and rising win multipliers, which, combined with the funky backdrop and neon-filled grid, ensure that players will have an electrifying experience as they spin the reels.” 

Evolution expands its live portfolio with Ice Fishing, a dynamic new title featuring 5,000x payout potential

AGBrief Editorial
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Evolution expands its live portfolio with Ice Fishing, a dynamic new title featuring 5,000x payout potential

Evolution, the B2B online casino solutions giant, has announced the launch of Ice Fishing—a fast-paced new addition to its live game show portfolio, first unveiled at ICE 2025.

Set against an arctic backdrop, Ice Fishing puts a fresh spin on the big money wheel format, with three unique bonus games, suspenseful gameplay, and multiplier wins of up to 5,000x.

At the centre of the game is a 53-segment wheel, where each spin can award an instant cash prize or trigger one of three themed bonus rounds: Lil’ Blues, Big Oranges, and Huge Reds. Each bonus offers its own gameplay style and multiplier potential — up to 100x, 200x and 500x respectively. 

Enhancing the excitement are multiplier boosts that can land during the main game and carry through into the bonus rounds. This adds an extra layer of anticipation and a max win potential of up to 5,000x. 

Commenting on the launch, Todd Haushalter, Evolution’s Chief Product Officer, said: “We’ve wanted to create a speed game show for a long time, as we’re seeing a growing audience that craves faster, more instantly gratifying formats. It’s a trend not unlike the rising preference for TikTok-style shorts over long-form video. Ice Fishing is our take on that idea. It’s fast, fun, and packed with dramatic gameplay.”

Haushalter added: “The magic lies in the anticipation, waiting to see what kind of fish players will catch and how big the outcome might be. There are little surprises and bursts of excitement woven into the entertainment experience, and we think players will enjoy uncovering them. We’re genuinely excited about this format, as it opens the door to a new style of rapid game show with strong potential.”

Blueprint Gaming expands custom slot strategy with exclusive bet365 debut

AGBrief Editorial
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Blueprint Gaming expands custom slot strategy with exclusive bet365 debut

Blueprint Gaming, the leading UK slot supplier and member of the Merkur Group, has strengthened its long-term partnership with globally renowned operator bet365 through the exclusive release of bet365 Kong 3 Even Bigger Bonus.

The latest move from Blueprint marks a standout moment in its exclusive content rollout for bet365, elevating its comprehensive library with its most compelling title yet.

The stylish new variant combines gameplay from the hit March 2025 release, Kong 3 Even Bigger Bonus, alongside the iconic bet365 name, with its first-class casino offering enjoyed by millions of players worldwide.

The collaborative title has already achieved impressive numbers since its launch, with bet365 confirming that player stakes have significantly exceeded company expectations across all live markets. Its initial standout performance ranks it first in comparison to all previous Blueprint titles launched with the operator since 2023.

The 6×4, 4,096-way to win slot provides an intriguing update to the beloved Kong series, with revamped cash harvests and a new-look bonus trail. The latter concludes with the Super Kong bonus feature, which presents players with a choice of three modifiers promising extra bonus spins, frequent collects or a boosted trail.

Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Blueprint Gaming, said: “This exclusive release with our long-term partner bet365 marks a new phase of tailored content that will run alongside our dazzling monthly releases. Kong 3 Even Bigger Bonus has been a standout launch for us in 2025, and this exclusive version is already proving that customisation, when combined with strong brand recognition, can drive exceptional results.”    

A spokesperson at bet365, added: “Thanks to our partners at Blueprint Gaming, Kong has returned to bet365 Casino in bespoke style. Stomping his way onto our platform, we’re thrilled to launch bet365 Kong 3 Even Bigger Bonus across multiple territories globally. Players can go bananas in this exclusive offering and unlock the King Treasure Blitz and even Bigger Bonus features!”

Relax Gaming names Tony O’Mahony as new Chief Product Officer

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Relax Gaming names Tony O’Mahony as new Chief Product Officer

The renowned iGaming aggregator and supplier, Relax Gaming, has strengthened its executive team with the appointment of Tony O’Mahony as Chief Product Officer (CPO).

O’Mahony brings a wealth of experience to the role, having most recently served as a Product Strategy Consultant within the iGaming space. His career highlights include senior leadership positions, including Chief Product Officer, at Casumo, A5 Labs, and Gaming Innovation Group, as well as Vice President of Product at Lottoland.

With a proven track record of building and scaling product teams, O’Mahony’s arrival marks a new chapter in Relax Gaming’s product journey, following the departure of former CPO Shelley Hannah.

In his new role, Tony will lead the company’s product division, working cross-functionally with technical, commercial, and operational teams to further elevate Relax’s product strategy and execution.

Commenting on the appointment, Martin Stålros, CEO at Relax Gaming, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tony to Relax Gaming. His deep product knowledge, coupled with extensive industry experience, makes him an ideal fit for the next phase of our growth. Tony’s collaborative approach and strategic mindset align perfectly with our culture, and I’m confident he’ll have a major impact as we continue to push the boundaries of innovation.”

Tony O’Mahony, Chief Product Officer at Relax Gaming, added: “I’ve long admired Relax Gaming for its product-led ethos, strong values, and standout reputation in the industry. I’m genuinely excited to be joining such a talented and passionate team, and I’m looking forward to helping build on the foundations already in place. Product success is always a team effort, and I can’t wait to get started, meet the wider team, and play my part in what’s next for Relax.”

Philippine central bank introduces online gambling payment restrictions

Viviana Chan
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Philippine central bank introduces online gambling payment restrictions

The central bank said the upcoming measures aim to reduce the risks of addiction, fraud, and financial harm while promoting the responsible use of digital financial services. The rules were developed following public consultation as concerns mount over the social impact of online gambling in the Philippines.

Under the new framework, financial service providers must implement strict identity verification processes, including biometric checks such as facial recognition, to ensure only eligible individuals can use their funds for online gambling. The regulations will also establish daily limits on gambling-related transfers to prevent excessive financial losses.

Additional protective measures include time-based restrictions on gambling payments designed to curb impulsive behavior. Users will gain access to tools allowing them to set personal spending caps, take voluntary breaks, or completely self-exclude from gambling transactions.

The BSP’s move comes amid growing government concern over online gambling’s societal effects. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and several lawmakers have raised issues about addiction, family problems, and financial hardship linked to online gambling activities.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Philippines Central Bank, Online Gambling payment regulations

The statement didn’t detailed whether the daily limit will be the equal among banks, e-wallets, and other financial service providers, or if they can define the limit themselves. However, in a recent interview with AGB, Juan Paolo Colet, Managing Director at Chinabank Capital, stressed the importance of ensuring that any new controls are practical and easy to implement. He highlighted two key priorities: implementing effective age verification to prevent access by minors and setting reasonable daily spending caps to address social and behavioral risks associated with online gambling.

The BSP’s draft circular, released in mid-July, will apply to payment service providers (PSPs) and payment system operators (OPSs) involved in online gambling. These entities must get BSP approval, hold at least PHP300 million ($5.3 million) in capital, and meet key compliance standards. 

To prevent fraud and illegal activity, they must have strong anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing measures (AML/CTF), with board-level oversight. Online gambling operators will be treated as high-risk merchants, requiring stricter checks, including verifying beneficial ownership and conducting ongoing risk assessments.

The regulatory response reflects a broader debate within the Philippine government about the industry’s future. While some senators advocate for a complete ban to protect minors and families, other officials and industry groups warn that such action could result in significant job losses, weakened consumer protections, and reduced government revenue.

The BSP emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and inclusive digital finance ecosystem for all Filipinos. The central bank stated that these safeguards represent a balanced approach to addressing gambling-related risks while preserving access to digital financial services.

Two involved in $2.3B Singapore money laundering case stripped of Cypriot “golden passports”

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Two involved in $2.3B Singapore money laundering case stripped of Cypriot “golden passports”

Two of the culprits in Singapore’s largest money laundering case have been stripped of their Cypriot “golden passports” due to the criminal proceedings against them.

The case involved some SG$3 billion ($2.34 billion) and involved a network of mostly Chinese individuals who took on different nationalities. The network has been linked to online gambling, including in the Philippines.

Cyprus Passport

According to the Straits Times, Su Haijin and Wang Dehai had their “golden passports” revoked by Cyprus’ Council of Ministers. The two are part of 88 investors and 218 family members who have so far had their Cypriot citizenship revoked. The golden passport scheme was scrapped in 2020 after it was revealed that dozens of those who secured passports faced criminal charges in other countries, had prior convictions or were under international sanctions.

Aside from Su and Wang, eight other foreigners were arrested in Singapore in 2023 on suspicion of being linked to the money laundering case. Su received a 14-month jail sentence, while Wang was sentenced to 16 months. Both of the individuals were deported from Singapore, with Su going to Cambodia and Wang to the UK. All of those sentenced were deported from Singapore and barred from re-entering the country.

Singapore
Vanuatu

The case lies bare the intricate nature of investment citizenship in countries that act as offshore gambling licensing hubs or land-based casino hubs. Of the 10 Chinese nationals detained in Singapore, some held foreign passports from Vanuatu, Saint Kitts and Nevis, as well as Cyprus and Cambodia.

The golden passport providing countries are now under pressure to shut down the citizenship-via-investment avenue, with Vanuatu, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Cyprus all flagged by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The OECD highlights that the programs are prone to attracting criminals or former government officials seeking to avoid punishment. Interpol is also calling for tightened restrictions on golden passports or a total ban.

PH gov’t insurance system responds to criticism of DigiPlus share purchases

Kelsey Wilhelm
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PH gov’t insurance system responds to criticism of DigiPlus share purchases

The Philippines’ Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has responded to criticism from a top Senator over its investment in shares of online gaming giant DigiPlus.

In an official statement, the GSIS assured that the pension fund is “strong, secure, and actuarially sound” and said it welcomes “scrutiny and call for public disclosure”.

This comes after Senator Risa Hontiveros, one of the top officials pushing for a full ban on online gaming in the nation, said that the GSIS was “investing funds in online gambling” during a Senator plenary session. Hontiveros claimed that the GSIS was “investing the retirement money of public servants to seemingly expand the e-gaming industry”.

The GSIS had invested some PHP1 billion ($17.4 million) in DigiPlus, when the stock valuation was high. This was before the calls to ban online gaming in the nation, partially spearheaded by Hontiveros, which led to a significant drop in share prices for online-linked gaming operators.

In its statement, the GSIS affirmed that “we remain guided by our mandate: to protect and grow the hard-earned contributions of government workers”. However, it indicated that it would review its charter and investment policies, with a particular focus on risky or sensitive sectors.

The GSIS handles some PHP1.81 trillion ($31.62 billion) in assets.  

DigiPlus is a Philippine Stock Exchange-listed company, is ranked on the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list, and is regarded as one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies.

Okada Manila parent TRLEI gets new President and COO, effective Sept.

Kelsey Wilhelm
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Okada Manila parent TRLEI gets new President and COO, effective Sept.

The parent company of Okada Manila has announced a significant leadership transition, with the departure of its President and Chief Operating Officer Byron Yip.

Byron Yip
Byron Yip, outgoing President and COO of TRLEI

In a Thursday notice, Tiger Resort, Leisure and Entertainment (TRLEI) – operator of Okada Manila – noted that Yip will continue to oversee daily operations and support the leadership transition ‘through September’. Yip has served with TRLEI for seven years.

Stepping into both the president and COO role is Nobuki Sato, a Senior Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of TRLEI parent company Universal Entertainment Corp, and member of the Board of Directors of TRLEI.

The group notes that the leadership transition ‘reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence and long-term value creation’.

Speaking of the executive change, Universal Entertainment’s Representative Director Tomohiro Okada noted that “Byron Yip’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing Okada Manila as a leading destination in the region […] We extend our heartfelt appreciation for Byron’s contributions and are pleased that he will continue to support the organization to ensure a seamless transition. We are confident that Nobuki Sato’s proven expertise in operational and financial management will guide Okada Manila into its next phase of strategic growth and innovation”.

TRLEI in July reported that the group saw a 19.63 percent drop in its 2Q25 gross gaming revenue, to PHP7.1 billion ($125.3 million), with decreases in VIP, mass table games, gaming machine revenue and non-gaming revenue.

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